Career Guidance

I want my children to understand the world, but not just because the world is fascinating and the human mind is curious. I want them to understand it so that they will be positioned to make it a better place. (Howard Gardner 1999: 180-181)


Across cultures, genera-tions, economies, ideologies, etc… Intelligence has been defined through many theories and experiments. One such is Gardner’s theory of intelligence which says that intelligence is not a unitary factor but has 7 components. Lets discuss these 7 components of Intelligence which will be found in school/college students, ultimately helping a school/college teacher or counselor to understand a student better, beyond academics.


Definition of Intelligence by Psychologists

The capacity to understand the world, think rationally and use resources when faced with challenges.


1. Linguistic intelligence (Being word smart)


Linguistic intelligence is the ability to use language to excite, please, convince, stimulate or convey information. It involves not only ease in producing language, but also sensitivity to the nuances, order and rhythm of words. This involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information. Writers, poets, lawyers and speakers are among those that Howard Gardner sees as having high linguistic intelligence. People who have linguistic intelligence learn by Saying, hearing and seeing words, Talking, Writing, Reading.


People with linguistic intelligence are good in writing Novels, Non-fiction, Speeches , Stories, Myths/legends, Lyrics, Poems, Instructions Manuals, Newspapers, Magazines, Plays, doing Arguments, debating, cracking Jokes, solving Crosswords, playing Scrabble/word games, writing Scripts, Advertising.


The strengths in a person with Linguistic Intelligence :

1. Ask lost of questions, Enjoy talking

2. Good vocabulary, Can pick up new language easily

3. Enjoy playing with words: word games, puns, rhymes

4. Enjoy reading & writing

5. Good at memorizing names, places, dates and trivia


The likely career of an Linguistically intelligent Person

Novelist, Poet, Barrister, Politician, Actor, Story-teller, Orator, Journalist, Comedian,     Speech writer


2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (Being number/reasoning smart)

Logical-Mathematical intelligence is the ability to explore patterns, categories and relationships by manipulating objects or symbols, and to experiment in a controlled, orderly way. It consists of the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. In Howard Gardner’s words, in involves the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically. This intelligence is most often associated with scientific and mathematical thinking. Scientists, mathematicians and philosophers all rely on this intelligence. These people are best at Computer programs, Mathematical proofs, Flow charts, Pie graphs, Puzzle solution, Inventions. They learn by Categorizing, Classifying, Working with abstract patterns/relationships.


The strengths in a person with Logical-Mathematical Intelligence :

1. Enjoy solving puzzles, Play with numbers: counting

2. Want to know how things work & Oriented towards rule-based activities

3. Interested in “if …. Then” logic

4. Good at maths, reasoning, logic and problem solving


The likely career of an Logical-Mathematical intelligent Person:

Become a Mathematician, Computer programmer, Accountant, Inventor, Doctor, Astronomer, Scientist, Lawyer, Economist, Detective.


To be continued…….

(The author is a Career Counselor working with MSW-CGIC, Bangalore and member, Institute of Career Guidance, UK)


M.S.W- Career Guidance and Info Center
# 214, United School Building, Ilyasnagar,
J.P.Nagar Post, Bangalore - 560 078.
Timings : 5PM - 8PM.
Email : careerguidance@mswt.org
Phone : 080-26669784.
Mobile : 98455 67687

For the 5th Consecutive year, Momin’ Students Welfare Trust (MSWT), Bangalore will Inshallah conduct the Student Development Program 2007 (SDP) in November and December 2006 and January 2007.


This is a unique program with the basic theme Empowerment for Excellence in Exams (ECUBATE) focusing on Study techniques, Revision techniques, memory techniques, success plans and future focus for the students of 10th standard.


Highlights of the Program

1. It’s a 3 hour class room session with lots of presentations, activities, Aptitude test, motivational talks and Career Guidance.

2. Students are presented and explained study skills & techniques, developing study plans, setting targets and goals to better in exams.

3. Every students gets a printed booklet consisting of highly effective and practical study skills and techniques used by exam toppers all over India.

4. Alhamdulillah more than 20,000 students have been directly benefited by this program since past 5 years all over India.


Attention Schools / NGO working for students !!

Interested schools / NGO’s can invite us to conduct the SDP 2007 program in their school / city for the 10th std students. The School management/Principal/director can contact us to get the possible dates in Nov, Dec 2006 and Jan 2007.


Who conducts this program ?

The MSWT team of committed counselors and professionals who have been board / University toppers in the past and willing to share the secrets of their success. To know our team, visit out website.

This slogan greeted visitors to the Flower Arrangement Competition for Std 6 to 10, conducted at the New Generation School in Bangalore recently. Just below the slogan was another caption-“ Indulge Your Senses.” The participants, about 95 of them had to make their own arrangements to bring fresh flowers to the venue. Visitors to the hall were greeted with more slogans written on pieces of paper alongside the flowers arranged in vases and baskets. Prizes were awarded to the best displays. The competition was organised by the staff members of the school. For more details, contact New Generation School, Ph: 26578699. Email: ngsce@vsnl.com